Kongu Vellalar


Kongu Vellalar is a sub-caste of Vellalar community found in the western region of Tamil Nadu, which is known as Kongu Nadu.
The Kongu Vellalar were classified as a Forward Caste at the time of Indian independence but they successfully requested to be reclassified as a Backward Class in 1975.

Etymology

The Vellalar of the Kongu country came to be known as Kongu Vellalar. They are also known by names such as Bupaalan, Kudiyaanavar and Vivasaayi, and use the title Gounder as a caste appellation in their personal names.

Origin

According to the Kongu Vellalar Puranam, a 19th century work by Mahavidwan Kandasamy Kavirayar, the Vellalar of the Kongu country trace their origin to Marabalan, a mythical figure who was created from the river Ganges to rid the world of hunger. Marabalan turned to agriculture and his descendants became the Vellalar. Marabalan had various titles such as Gangavamsa, Devar, Vellalar, Bubalan, etc.

History

The Kongu Vellalar were inhabitants of the Kongu country since atleast the 10th century CE. The Vellalars of Kongu region came to be known as Kongu Vellalar or Gounder, though both the names have also been treated separately in some regions. According Beck's study, the Kongu Vellalar are one of the top ranking castes who were entited to ownership over land. They followed a kingly model acquiring prestige by ownership of land, control of daily labor and production activity.
The community plays a significant role in the political and economic life of the Kongu Nadu region.

Caste structure

The caste is divided into a number of exogamous clans called Kootams. Medieval poet Kambar is said to have given their kula and gotra.

Culture

Wedding

The community has its own style of marriage ceremony. The ceremony is led by person called an Arumbukarar or Arumaikkarar. A long song composed by a Poet and Tamil Saint Kambar, called "Mangala Valthu", is usually sung. In the wedding ceremony, the brother of the bride and sister of the groom play significant roles.

Thaali

A Mangala Sutra is a necklace that the groom ties around the bride's neck in the Indian subcontinent, in a ceremony called Mangalya Dharanam, which identifies her as a married woman. It is called, thaali, maangalyam in Tamil.